Dave Rippard Retains Premier Concours Title
Dave Rippard and his family once again claimed the Premier Concours title at Mini Fair with his outstanding 1959 Mini. Each year the standard continues to rise, and Dave raised the bar yet again to successfully retain his title — along with a £700 prize cheque.
Congratulations go to Dave and all the Premier Concours finalists. Every finalist should be immensely proud; you are all winners, and we are honoured to welcome you onto the red carpet at Mini Fair.
Kindly Sponsored by AutoGlym UK. First 3 in the Premier Concours and the Pride Of Ownership Winners received an Autoglym provided by local distributor Branson Poyner
Premier Concours Final
1st Place plus £700 Dave Rippard 518 LBH
2nd Place plus £200 Scott Turner ATT 947B
3rd Place plus £100 Steve Lunnon W10 RKS
Premier Concours – Judged to the Highest Standard
The Premier Concours represents the highest level of judging within the British Mini Club calendar and is far more detailed than a standard concours at our Himley Hall and Stanford Hall shows. While judging at those events includes elements such as engine operation and lighting checks, all class winners progress to the Premier Concours Final at Mini Fair.
At this final stage, our most experienced judges carefully examine every Mini in detail, including the use of ultraviolet lighting to inspect paintwork. The Premier Final is truly next level, and every entrant takes part with the utmost seriousness. The Silver Trophy remains one of the most coveted awards within the Mini scene.
Get Involved – Premier Concours 2026
Everyone is welcome to take part in this year’s competition, starting at Himley Hall on May 10th. If you’re proud of your Mini and the work you’ve put into it, we’d love to see you take part. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for full details and entry information.
Pride of Ownership – Stories Behind the Minis
Pride of Ownership offers something different to Show ’n’ Shine. It’s not just about how the Mini looks, but the story behind it and what it means to its owner. Mini Fair is the perfect place for these stories to be shared.
This year’s entries included everything from a classic Mini that has survived three accidents — and been rescued three times by the same owner — to a father-and-son project restoring a 1980 Mini Clubman Estate into a hearse for the “Last Mini Adventure”. Other highlights included a long-lost Mini discovered in a garage after 20 years and lovingly brought back to life, a beautifully restored Ice Cream Van, and a rare Mini ERA Turbo with less than 600 miles, recently won in a UK Minis raffle.
Ultimate Modified – Creativity on Display
Ultimate Modified continues to be a firm favourite, giving owners the opportunity to showcase their vision of the ultimate Mini, whether classic or modern. Among the standout entries were two classic Minis originally modified back in 1978, still wearing their authentic 1970s styling and remarkably still owned by the same owners today — a true celebration of Mini heritage and individuality.
Mini Club Displays
Did you see the fantastic displays by all the clubs on the balcony. Many supported the theme of Drive In Movies. The winners … R56 Group UK put an excellent display in the style of Fast And Furious including Ross Alexanders race prepared MINI Challenge Club Sport, plus Sim racing where visitors could compete to beat Ross’s best time.
Mini Girls also put on a brilliant effort with a screen and a movie playing during the day. A big thank you to all the clubs for putting in fantastic displays and helping to make the show a big success
Check out our Facebook page for a full album of images from Mini Fair
Classic Mini 1960’s
1st Place Stuart Toplass PFO 387
2nd Place Connor Brown 576 BYO
Classic Mini 1970’s
1st Place Ethan McKeen KON 474P
2nd Place Steven Ogle LUB 693V
Classic Mini 1980’s
1st Place Jack Lonergan SHU 742W
2nd Place Dean Losens A61 GPF
Classic Mini 1990’s
1st Place Fleur Tedder T727 MCH
2nd Place Harry Lovett H23 RED
New MNI
1st Place James Westwood JW52 MAV
2nd Place Anthony Webb SR53 ANT
Ultimate Modified Mini
1st Place Neil Fenn KCT 185F
2nd Place Ollie Fitzgerald
Best Club Stand
1st Place R56 Group UK
2nd Place Mini Girls
3rd Tynemouth Mini Club